Friday is the first Friday of January, making it First Friday in downtown Raleigh. Click here to read my earlier post to learn more about the family-friendly events (including a new kids eat free deal) scheduled this week.

The second concert in the N.C. Symphony’s Young People’s Series is Saturday at the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts in Raleigh. It features Saint-Saens’ classic The Carnival of Animals. The concerts, scheduled for 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., include special guests from the Triangle Youth Ballet. Get to the concert about an hour early to check out the symphony’s Instrument Zoo where kids can play different instruments. There are usually crafts too. The hour-long concerts are designed for kids ages 4 to 12 and their adults. We have season tickets and really enjoy this series. Individual tickets are about $27.

From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Cary’s Bond Park will host a Three Kings Day Parade. Three Kings Day (usually Jan. 6) is when holiday gifts are opened in most Spanish speaking and some European countries, according to Diamante Inc., which is organizing the annual event in Cary. Last year, more than 1,200 people participated.

The Hot Chocolate Run in Cary is at Bond Park on Sunday. The event raises money for the Wake County SPCA. Four-legged family members are invited to participate. The run includes a 5K, 1-mile fun run and Doggie Dash.